TYPE 89A KO

TYPE 89A KO
Image: Type 89A Ko (Wikipedia)
Year1931
Vehicle TypeMedium Tank
Origin & DesignerJapan/Mitsubishi
Numbers Produced278
Crew4 (Commander/Gunner, Loader, Hull Gunner & Driver)
Main Armament1 x Type 90 57mm L/14.4 Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-15° to +20°
Turret Traverse360° (Manual)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightTelescopic
Secondary Armament2 x Type 91 6.5mm Machine Guns (Bow & Rear Turret)
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried100 x 57mm & 2.745 x 6.5mm
Height2.57m
Width2.16m
Length5.87m
Combat Weight9.900 kg
Ground Clearance0.48m
Fording Depth1.0m
Trench Crossing2.51m
Obstacle Clearance0.84m
Climbing Ability34°
RadioType 94 Mk. 4
ArmourHull Front: 17mm
Hull Sides: 17mm
Hull Rear: 17mm
Hull Top: 10mm
Hull Bottom: 6mm
Gun Mantle: 10mm
Turret Front: 15mm
Turret Sides: 15mm
Turret Rear: 15mm
Turret Top: 10mm
EngineDaimler 118 HP (Petrol)
Transmission6 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range140 km
Maximum Cross Country Range[@maximum_cross_country_range]
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed25 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed18 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe Type 89 was initially designed as a light tank, but subsequent improvements added to the weight and the vehicle was classed as a medium. It bore some semblance to the British Vickers C and after various trials and modifications it was standardised as the main battle tank and used in battle in China and Manchuria. The 89A was armed with a short barrelled type 90 57mm gun and two machine guns which was adequate for the infantry support role but suffered from having a high silhouette. It was given the designation Type 89A Ko, when the improved model Otsu was introduced.